I’ve always enjoyed reading, so the idea of sharing bedtime stories with my child was something I eagerly looked forward to. I was excited for her to grow old enough to appreciate and understand these tales.
We recently transitioned to a two-bedroom apartment, giving Emily her very own space. This transition brought about a need to adjust her bedtime routine. In the past, we’d let her settle on our bed, bottle-feed her, and she’d soon fall asleep holding our hands. Once asleep, we’d gently move her to her crib where she’d slumber through the night. Sounds simple, right? However, as Emily grew taller and heavier, moving her became a challenge, especially given my height. It was comical how many times I nearly found myself joining her in the crib! With our recent move, carrying her from one room to another without waking her would be an unimaginable feat.
That’s why we opted for a new bedtime ritual. Being a passionate reader myself, it was inevitable that books would become a part of our nightly routine. Little did I know that Emily would share the same enthusiasm for books as I do. She would browse through her collection, pick one, reconsider, then select another. Ultimately, after some indecision, she’d choose a book and present it to me with pride.
Top Bedtime Stories for Young Kids
According to Emily’s discerning two-year-old taste, here’s a list of her most cherished bedtime stories, from her absolute favorite to others she adores:
- “Say Goodnight to the Sleepy Animals” by Ian Whybrow
- Why it’s her favorite? The story revolves around a charming ginger cat that bids goodnight to various animals, from dogs and foxes to bunnies. Emily’s fascination with this book largely lies in the tactile patches that allow her to “feel” the animals as I recite the rhymes.
- “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
- This enlightening book emphasizes that while babies from different parts of the world may have unique appearances and lifestyles, they also share many similarities. Emily’s most cherished part is when the narrative touches on the baby who is “mine, all mine,” accompanied by “three little kisses on the tip of its nose.”
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
- This classic is beloved by many across the globe. It portrays a small mouse getting ready for bed and bidding goodnight to everything in its room. Emily adores the rhymes and has even started her own tradition of saying goodnight to the items in her space.
- “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson
- This tale introduces readers to a kind-hearted witch and her cat. As they misplace various items and gain new friends on their journey, adventures ensue. The vivid illustrations captivate Emily, and she chuckles at the witch’s escapades with each turn of the page.
- “I Love My Mummy” by Marcy Kelman
- If I had to pick, this might be my personal favorite. It narrates the story of a young squirrel enumerating all the reasons it adores its mother. The narrative resonates with me as it encapsulates the myriad things parents do for their children daily, and it genuinely warms my heart.
What are the bedtime stories your little one treasures?